JIMEX 2020: Naval exercise between Japan, India concludes in North Arabian Sea

New Delhi, Sep 29: The 4th edition of India-Japan maritime bilateral exercise JIMEX, between the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Indian Navy, completed three days of exercise.

It was held in the North Arabian Sea from September 26 to September 28. Ships undertook anti-air and anti-submarine warfare exercises, weapon firings, tracking and tactical manoeuvres.

On the second day, the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships undertook weapon drills, seamanship evolutions and advanced exercises.

JIMEX is a series of exercises commenced in January 2012 with a special focus on maritime security cooperation. The last edition of JIMEX was conducted in October 2018 off Visakhapatnam, India.

Naval cooperation between Japan and India increased in scope and complexity over the years. Advanced level of operations and exercises planned during JIMEX-20 are indicative of the continued upswing in Indo-Japanese defence relations and continued efforts by both governments to work closely for a more secure, open and inclusive global commons, in accordance with international regulations.

This would further enhance the cooperation and mutual confidence between the two navies and fortify the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries.